School Security for Public Schools Procedures

1. Policy supported

School Security for Public Schools Policy

2. Scope

These procedures apply to principals.

3. Procedures

3.1 Protecting school property

Principals will confirm that:

• permanent identification markings are applied on school equipment;
• all valuable equipment is securely stored; and
• measures are implemented to reduce the likelihood of school vandalism.

3.2 Maintaining security and managing security risks

Principals will:

• manage key security;
• implement measures to secure money collected from fees, excursions, fundraising or authorised activities;
• inform and induct staff in the security practices relevant to them;
• report all security breaches to the Department’s Security and Emergency Management Section;
• report all damage to and/or failure of the school’s security alarm system immediately to the Department’s Security and Emergency Management Section;
• confirm that all installations or additions to the school’s security alarm system are in accordance with the Department of Finance’s Electronic Security Specification for Department of Education sites; and
• test all ‘Request for Assistance Devices’ through to the Department’s Security Monitoring Centre at the beginning of each term and contact the Security Monitor Centre prior to conducting the testing.

3.3 Creating a safe and physical environment

Principals will:

• implement measures to minimise the likelihood of electrical hazards;
• minimise the risk of fire hazards; and
• verify that there is suitable lighting around the school.

3.4 Use of closed-circuit television (CCTV)

Principals will:

• consult with school staff, the school board or council and the parents’ and citizens’ association prior to the implementation of a CCTV system, and document and address any concerns raised;
• seek advice and gain approval from the Department’s Security and Emergency Management Section prior to any installation of a CCTV system in a school;
• register the CCTV system online with CAM-Maps WA;
• seek approval from the Department’s Security and Emergency Management Section when considering installing covert (hidden) surveillance cameras; and
• verify that the installation of covert (hidden) surveillance cameras complies with the Surveillance Devices Act (1998).

4. Related documents

5. Contact information

Policy manager:

Director, Asset Planning and Services

Policy contact officer:

Manager, Security and Emergency Management    

T: (08) 9264 4825

Technical and Electronic Security Consultant

T: (08) 9264 5046

Security and Emergency Management Section

T: (08) 9264 4632 or (08) 9264 4771 (24 hours)

School Watch:               

T: 1800 177 777 (freecall)

Western Australia Police Force

T: 131 444 or 000

6. History of changes